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Dear Shiloh Family,

It was Fall in the South and the night air was crisp and cool, but the tension was thick as molasses and heating up by the minute. Leaves had begun to flutter earthward and the Autumn hues of orange, yellow, and red glistened in the evening sun.  However, the colors of the day were royal blue and fire engine red.  The small town was buzzing with excitement as folks from near and far gathered. Streets were blocked and businesses closed a few minutes early.  It was football time in Georgia and Rossville High was playing cross-town rival Lakeview.

At the time, it was one of the longest rivals in Georgia.  It was certainly one of the largest attended events in the northern part of the state.  It was so intense that lifetime friends became enemies for a day.  Eight to ten thousand patrons would line the fences and fill the stands, and there could be no neutral ground - all because one wore red and one wore blue.

Consequently, it wasn’t an isolated event.  Gordon Lee and Chattanooga Valley high schools often mirrored the gridiron image.  Now, Gordon Lee and Trion are the long-time arch rivals.  Heritage and Ringgold…or Heritage and anyone could fill the ticket as well.

During college and professional events, adults will don all manners of gaudy outfits, goofy costumes, and gruesome body paintings to support teams and cities they have never attended, schools from which they don’t have degrees, and players they have never met.   

It is not just sporting events that separate loyalties.  Each time I go to Albania, the language barrier is evident, and the culture gap is wide.  As western influence spreads, transportation and attire mesh closer together.  Even various religions are becoming more tolerable. However, there is one thing that is unchanging.  They fly their national flag with great pride…as do we.  Departing gifts are often laden with the image of their red two-headed eagle.  Like Americans, they are proud of their flag and what it represents.

It amazes me of the menial, trivial, minute incidentals that separate us.  Especially those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ.  It is acceptable and often entertaining to maintain loyalties and poke fun at friends and families - as long as it is all in fun and can be brought back to sanity and peaceful existence.

We must remember that we are here for a season, and what really matters is on the other side of this life.  One day, all things of earthly importance will fade into nonexistence.  Only one thing will matter…our relationship and loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ. One color will reign eminent; the red blood of Jesus Christ will wash all things clean and white.  Robes of pure white will line the streets of that city.  Folks will come from every tribe, nation, and tongue. The color of their skin will be of no importance and their origins will be of no consequence. The only moment of significance in previous life will be the instant of birth into the family of God…the moment of acceptance of our champion and Savior.  The banner of His victory and love will fly, and the victory song will be the song of the redeemed.  There will be no separation of cause, creed, nor culture, and we will know our champion personally.  What a day that will be!
  
Revelation 5:9: 9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, NKJV  

As John related in the book of Revelation;

Revelation 22:20: 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. KJV     

And in the words of the popular song; ‘There’ll be no war, there’ll be no pain.  Come, Jesus come.  Let today be the day.”  If you don’t know him, please allow us to introduce you to Jesus.

We don’t know who will win the next sporting contest, election, or war.  But we do know that Jesus is coming again to call his children home.  It might be today.  

The crimson blood of Jesus eliminates all gray areas.  

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell